Mai Tai
A refreshing and approachable variation of the legendary Tiki classic. This cocktail combines light rum with the nuttiness of orgeat and the citrus zest of triple sec, balanced by sweet and sour mix for a vibrant tropical experience.
What it tastes like
The aroma is dominated by sweet almond and bright citrus. On the palate, the drink is tart and sugary with a noticeable nuttiness from the orgeat. The mouthfeel is light, ending with a clean, fruit-forward finish.
Flavour profile
Ingredients
- Light Rum1 oz
- Orgeat Syrup0.5 oz
- Triple Sec0.5 oz
- Sweet and Sour Mix1.5 oz
- Cherry1 whole
Preparation
- 1
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
- 2
Pour the light rum, orgeat syrup, triple sec, and sweet and sour mix into the shaker.
- 3
Shake vigorously until well-chilled.
- 4
Strain the mixture into a Collins glass filled with fresh ice.
- 5
Garnish with a cherry and serve immediately with a straw.
Substitutions
- Light RumDark Rum — This adds heavier notes of molasses and caramel to the base of the drink.
- Orgeat SyrupAmaretto — The drink becomes less creamy but retains a similar nutty almond profile.
- Triple SecOrange Curaçao — This swap introduces a deeper orange flavor and a slightly drier finish.
- Sweet and Sour MixFresh lime juice and simple syrup — Using fresh ingredients provides a sharper acidity and a brighter citrus character.
Variations
Spiced Mai Tai
Replace the light rum with spiced rum to add notes of vanilla, cinnamon, and clove.
Pineapple Mai Tai
Add one ounce of pineapple juice before shaking to create a more tropical and fruit-heavy profile.